While Japan secured the first ticket to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers from Group B on Friday, the race for the remaining two berths remains wide open following contrasting results in East Asia.
The Akatsuki Five cruised past China, 92-73, at Liaoning Gymnasium to book their place in Group F, while Chinese-Taipei outlasted South Korea, 82-80, in overtime at Goyang Gymnasium.
Those results set up a dramatic finish to the first round on Monday, with China taking on Chinese-Taipei and South Korea facing already-qualified Japan in Goyang. Both games will determine the final two qualifiers from Group B.
Chinese-Taipei pulled through in a thrilling overtime contest behind a clutch finish.
Trailing 80-79, Ma Riven converted a go-ahead fast-break layup with 39 seconds remaining to put the visitors ahead.
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After Lee Junghyun missed a three-pointer on the other end, Brandon Gilbeck split his free throws to extend Chinese-Taipei’s lead to 82-80 with 20 seconds left.
South Korea had multiple opportunities to force another overtime period, but Lee missed a short attempt after being denied by Gilbeck. Jang Jaeseok grabbed the offensive rebound, yet his desperation three-pointer fell short as the final buzzer sounded, leaving Korea winless through three games under head coach Nikolajs Mazurs.
Gilbeck dominated with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks, while Chen Yingchun added 18 points for Chinese-Taipei.
Benson Lin chipped in 13 points despite shooting just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc, while Bachir Gadiaga and Ma scored 10 points apiece. Gadiaga also pulled down nine rebounds.
Yeo Junseok led South Korea with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Lee finished with 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Jang recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
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Later, Japan made quick work of China behind Josh Hawkinson, who erupted for 27 points. Yuta Watanabe added 16 points, while Yudai Baba contributed nine points and 10 rebounds.
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Hu Jinqiu paced China with 15 points, while Liao Sanning and He Xining chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.
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In the other Group A game, Australia delivered a historic performance by crushing Guam, 124-52, at RAC Arena.
The Boomers knocked down a record 24 three-pointers, setting a new FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers mark and surpassing the previous record of 22 set by Mexico against Colombia on February 23, 2023.
Tyrese Proctor led the shooting barrage with six triples en route to 22 points, while Angus Glover hit five three-pointers for 19 points. Bryce Cotton and Jack McVeigh each made four triples to finish with 18 and 14 points, respectively. Reyne Smith connected on three shots from beyond the arc, while David Okwera and Mitch Creek added one three-pointer apiece.
Australia will look to complete a perfect Group A campaign when it hosts the Philippines on Monday.
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The Boomers, Gilas Pilipinas, and the New Zealand Tall Blacks have already secured their places in Group E, eliminating Guam from contention.
BJ Freeman led Guam with 18 points, while Jericho Cruz was held scoreless in 24 minutes of action.
